A China-Europe freight train loaded with containers departs from the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang, East China's Jiangsu Province, on August 3, 2025. Photo: VCG

 
Editor's Note:
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-European Union (EU) bilateral relations. In this changing and turbulent international situation, it is all the more important for China and the EU, the world's two major economies, to engage in close cooperation. This is not only a natural choice for their respective development, but also aligns with the expectation of the international community. Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Tong spoke with Janusz Piechociński, former Polish Deputy Prime Minister and now Chairman of the Polish-Asian Chamber of Commerce, on how to narrow differences and advance more open, stable, and constructive China-EU economic and trade cooperation.

GT: Some European politicians have criticized China over so-called industrial overcapacity and limited market access. From your experience, do these concerns reflect the reality on the ground? How would you assess China's progress in openness based on your chamber's work?

Piechocinski: Let's take the automotive industry, a globalized sector, as an example. At the Poznań Motor Show in Poland last year, some European car executives attributed China's success to government support. Yet, when questioned, they admitted that their companies had invested in China because of favorable conditions: lower energy costs, rising consumer demand, a robust domestic market, advanced logistics, and a growing pool of skilled labor.

When I asked whether firms like Mercedes or Volkswagen had received Chinese government subsidies or faced discrimination in China, the answer was clear: "no such cases." When asked about the profit margins at which Chinese firms compete both at home and abroad, the response was: they operate with significantly lower margins than their European counterparts, whether in China or within the bloc.

China's energy costs are roughly one-third of those in Europe — not because of subsidies, but due to structural efficiencies driven by advances in automation, robotics, and process optimization. Instead of pointing fingers, perhaps Europe should reflect on the underlying causes of its own high energy prices.

This example illustrates a broader truth: European manufacturing cannot rely forever on its traditional competitive edge. Chinese automakers are entering Europe with high-quality, competitively priced vehicles. European firms should focus on improving their own capabilities through innovation and collaboration.

In today's global economy, local production through joint ventures or partnerships is increasingly vital. For example, Chinese firms are investing in Polish battery and energy storage plants, supporting local green sectors. Korean giants like LG and SK, facing Chinese competition in the EU, are being pushed to innovate further.

Janusz Piechociński Photo: Courtesy of Janusz Piechociński

GT: Do you think some European policymakers misunderstand China's economic development or policies? If so, what are the root causes? How can both sides protect economic ties from political disruption in today's uncertain global landscape?

Piechocinski: I believe the issue goes beyond just policymakers. Many still view China through outdated stereotypes. However, any European who has visited the country, engaged with its people, or worked with Chinese companies can clearly see the transformation: a significantly improved quality of life, modernized cities and rural areas, world-class infrastructure, and rapid advances in IT, AI, and other emerging technologies. There is also a strong respect for history, a deep sense of cultural identity, and a major national commitment to education.

China is also making efforts to open its door wider to foreign citizens and businesses. The government's recent visa-free policy for Polish citizens is a meaningful gesture that helps facilitate people-to-people exchanges and strengthens our strategic partnership. 

For my chamber, we have organized trade missions to China this year, including China-Central and Eastern Europe Expo in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang Province. In 2025 alone, we have organized over 40 business meetings between Polish companies and visiting Chinese delegations from various cities and regions.

GT: Which sectors offer the greatest potential for deeper cooperation? How could progress in these areas support economic stability and global recovery?

Piechocinski: The EU and China have immense potential for deeper collaboration across various vital sectors. Areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), public health, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection align with shared global priorities and enjoy broad public support. These are strong foundations for impactful partnerships. We urgently need international dialogue on high-tech sectors to prevent global IT conflicts and ensure responsible development. This requires coordinated efforts among the EU, China, and the US to tackle emerging technological risks. 

Moreover, businesses seek stable and predictable bilateral relations. We need permanent mechanisms for political and diplomatic dialogue, coordinated actions to de-escalate tensions at the UN and WTO, and better communication between the Global North and South. It is undoubted that advancing China-EU cooperation across various areas will help stabilize bilateral relations, reduce global uncertainty, and significantly contribute to global recovery—proving that partnership is more effective than protectionism.

GT: In your view, how have the recent US tariff policies affected Europe's economy and the global trade landscape? How can the EU and China work together to reinforce multilateral trade and defend an open, rules-based system?

Piechocinski: I believe US tariff policy has seriously undermined global economic stability and confidence in rules-based international relations, and have harmed its own economy and global trust too. Europe now faces new challenges and lower-than-expected growth in 2025. 

Meanwhile, uncertainty are causing businesses to scale back investment and shift into survival mode. PMI indicators remain weak in most countries. The unpredictability of US tariffs makes it impossible for firms to plan. This is devastating for real businesses, which must make decisions daily amid growing complexity.

It is notable that the US tariffs' justifications are increasingly political rather than economic. In response, countries are expanding cooperation with other reliable partners to seek stability and common ground. Look at the high-level visits to China by leaders from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Central Asia. We have never seen this level of engagement before. The recent EU-China summit is a key step in this process. 


GT: In light of the recently concluded EU-China summit, how would you assess the underlying dynamics of this relationship and the concrete steps made in the recent summit in terms of advancing bilateral cooperation?

Piechocinski: The China-EU Summit was a very important and much-needed meeting between the leaders of China and the EU. It came at a critical juncture, as global military conflicts, economic tensions, and challenges in climate, health, and migration are testing the resilience of international cooperation.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, this meeting called not only for political and diplomatic engagement—but also for a profound reflection on our shared aspirations. In a world drifting from free trade toward protectionism, nationalism, and trade wars, we must ask: what kind of future do we envision?

It was encouraging that the leaders of the EU and China opened the meeting by reaffirming their shared commitment to mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation—a gesture that, I hope, marks a fresh start toward building a better future for our peoples. Following this path, it will become easier to manage competitive tensions, and build successful and mutually beneficial economic relations.

A clear, positive signal to our societies and business communities is essential to bolster market confidence and foster win-win economic relations. The conversation began with what unites us and where differences exist, showcasing that both sides are seeking new, constructive solutions. By doing so, the EU and China can chart a course toward mutual prosperity, showing the world what matters today and how to cooperate effectively.

GT: Some in the West claim that China's economic growth has peaked and is losing steam now. Do you share this view? How would you assess China's long-term growth prospects amid challenges?

Piechocinski: Let me cite some recent data. In the first half of 2025, China's GDP grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year, which was better than most market expectations. Foreign trade also showed strength and rose by 4.5 percent from April to June, with exports up 5.8 percent. These figures reflect China's economic vitality and its capacity to weather global challenges. This is the best response to those questioning China's economic health. 

Despite global headwinds, China's long-term growth prospects remain robust, supported by proactive policy-making and its ability to adapt to both domestic and external challenges. As the world's largest manufacturing hub and second-largest consumer market, China continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience.